Sewing Machine Embroidery Frame Identification via Optical Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embroidery frame identification methods in sewing machines are limited by the need for special detection switches, oblique photography, or additional levers, which restrict the use of existing embroidery frames, especially for larger frames and require additional processing or equipment.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine system that includes a photography unit, an embroidery frame transfer unit, and an embroidery frame size calculation unit to identify the embroidery frame by photographing from the height direction, moving the frame to align with registered images in a database, and calculating its size based on moving distances, allowing correct identification using existing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If detection switches or additional levers are added to detect embroidery frame kind, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image copying technology to capture and process visual information of the embroidery frame. A camera photographs the frame, and image processing algorithms extract identification information from the captured images, replacing the need for physical detection switches or levers with optical copying and digital analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical detection systems (detection switches, tiltable levers) with an optical-mechanical system. Instead of mechanical contact between detection components and the embroidery frame, the system uses a camera to photograph the frame from above and processes the images to identify the frame kind, eliminating complex mechanical detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If oblique photography is used to identify embroidery frame, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidphotography angle precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of tilting the camera or detection lever to achieve detection (as in prior art), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the camera in a fixed vertical position above the embroidery frame and moving the frame itself into the camera's field of view. This eliminates the need for precise angle control of the photography device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection dimension from oblique/tilted angles to a vertical top-down view. By photographing the embroidery frame from directly above, the system simplifies the geometric relationships and eliminates the need for precise angular positioning, while still enabling accurate frame identification through image processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If camera photographs entire large embroidery frame, then complete identification is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the embroidery frame identification task into manageable parts. Instead of requiring a single photograph of the entire frame, the system captures images of specific regions (such as corner portions or characteristic areas) and uses image processing to extract identification information from these segmented views, enabling accurate identification without complex large-format photography equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential identification information from the embroidery frame rather than capturing and processing the entire frame. By focusing on specific characteristic regions or features of the frame and extracting identification data from these extracted portions, the system achieves accurate frame identification with simpler, more cost-effective imaging equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9926656B2Sewing machine, method for determining embroidery frame and program

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 JANOME CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a sewing machine for identifying the embroidery frame correctly by using the existing mechanism and embroidery frame. A photography unit photographs an attached embroidery frame from a height direction, an embroidery frame transfer unit moves the embroidery frame from a specific location within a region surrounded by the embroidery frame until the photography unit photographs an image of the embroidery frame corresponding to one of the plurality of embroidery frame images registered in the database, a calculation unit calculates a size of the embroidery frame based on a moving distance of the embroidery frame moved by the embroidery frame transfer unit, and an embroidery frame identification unit identifies the embroidery frame based on the size of the calculated embroidery frame.